Overspray shield for toilet

ABSTRACT

A disposable urinal device and method suitable for installation on a toilet preventing overspray of urine and for containing said urine within the confines of the toilet. Said device comprises a frame having top and bottom portions attaching respectively to the toilet seat and the toilet bowl and an attachable sheet of material. The sheet attaches to said frame and may be readily removed therefrom for disposal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus andmethod for use in protecting a toilet and surrounding area fromurination overspray and more particularly to a disposable urinal-formingoverspray shield capable of rapid installation on an existing toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention began out of a need for a device that canreadily be mounted on a toilet to provide protection against urinationoverspray, and which can be disposed of after use, or after briefperiods of application.

[0003] Young boys and often, older men, on occasion have difficulty withmaintaining their urination stream within the confines of a toilet. As aresult, unforeseen consequences result for the toilet owner and/or thenext user. Therefore, it is desirable to have an apparatus that can bereadily installed upon an existing toilet, such that the device willfunction similarly to a standard urinal, while at the same timeprotecting the toilet and its surroundings from oversprayed urine.

[0004] Many such toilet shielding devices and methods have been designedin an attempt to prevent urine overspray, but all are disadvantageouslydifficult to clean and thus potentially non-hygienic when compared tothe present invention.

[0005] Some previously described shields attach to a toilet to becomesubstantially fixed devices. These designs necessitate the removalthereof for cleaning and thus complicate the ease and effectiveness ofsuch cleaning.

[0006] Other shield-type devices are disadvantageously designed todirect urine overspray to the floor and/or to limit the target area forurine collection into the toilet. Still others protect only the seat,fail to adequately collect overspray and/or fail to protect thesurrounding toilet area.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,803 to Gregovski teaches a splash shield of aformed panel that fastens to a toilet and which is attached to the lidso that it forms a shield when the lid is raised. Gregovski '803 isdisadvantageous in being a fixed device incapable of being quicklyremoved or replaced. It must be cleaned in place or removed forcleaning.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,062 to Fulbright, Jr. teaches a device forlifting a toilet seat to form a urinal with accordion sides attached tothe seat. Fulbright, Jr. '062 is permanently mounted to the toilet andsuffers the disadvantage of having to be cleaned in place or removed forcleaning.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,776 to Sarjeant teaches a similar splashguardto that of Fulbright, Jr. '062 wherein a urinal is formed by raising theseat to which a set of nested telescopic plate segments is attached.Sarjeant '776 suffers from the same disadvantages as Fulbright, Jr.'062, namely that it must be removed for cleaning or cleaned in placesince it is permanently affixed to the toilet apparatus.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,185 to Kohler teaches a toilet bowl protectorthat covers the bowl base and surrounding floor. While Kohler '185protects the floor and toilet itself, it suffers the disadvantage ofproviding no side or back areas to form a urinal and must also becleaned either in place or after removal.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,132 to Walka teaches a rigid folded absorbentshield that is placed on the floor behind the toilet bowl. Walka '132 ishighly disadvantageous in that any overspray reaching it would then bedeposited on the floor. It further fails to protect the toilet apparatusfrom overspray.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,512 to Bressler teaches a semicircular fixedspray shield that sits on the edge of a toilet bowl. Bressler '512 sitswithin the opening of the toilet and disadvantageously provides a smalltarget opening and further is not a disposable device.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,760 to Brown et al. teaches an oversprayshield of slightly conical shape that protects the toilet seat. It isadhesively attached. While Brown et al. '760 is removable, it is rigidlyformed and not a disposable unit and thus is disadvantageous.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,925 to Blaha teaches an expanding conicaltube urination aid that extends upward from the toilet opening towardthe user. Blaha '925 is a fixed device that disadvantageously must becleaned in place and provides a small target opening.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,135 to Jones et al. teaches a toilet bowlsplashguard secured to the lower surface of a toilet seat such that itforms a generally U-shaped splash shield. It opens and collapses inaccordion fashion through a set of lever arms that raise it as the seatis raised. Jones et al. '135 is permanently affixed to the toilet andseat, is overcomplicated, and must be disadvantageously cleaned in placeor removed for cleaning.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,905 to Woods teaches a urine deflector thatcovers the toilet seat. Woods '905 disadvantageously protects only theseat and does not provide a urinal-shaped area and thus cannot containoverspray.

[0017] U.S. Design Pat. No. D394,900 to Kang teaches a splash shieldthat apparently mounts to the toilet bowl and is generally semicircular.Similar to Bressler '512, Kang '900 is depicted as a rigid device thatdisadvantageously would require cleaning.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,302 to Eckert teaches hinged interleavedsegments that raise to a general conical shape when seat is raised.Eckert '302, permanently attached, disadvantageously is overly complex,does not form a urinal back, and thus cannot contain overspray. Inaddition, it requires cleaning in place or removal for cleaning.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,840 to West et al. teaches a toilet trainingaccessory that rests on the toilet bowl and is a general shield withbacksplash. It would of necessity be formed of rigid material. West etal. '840 provides a modicum of back area, but disadvantageously is notlarge enough to contain overspray. While not fixed in place, itdisadvantageously is rigidly formed, non-disposable and requirescleaning.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,055 to Gambia et al. teaches a rigidsemicircular splash shield with handle and means to fasten to toiletseat once seat is raised. Gambia et al. '055 forms a urinal-like back,but disadvantageously sits within the toilet opening and is thus small.While not permanently affixed, it is rigidly formed, non-disposable andmust be cleaned.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,785 to Linden teaches a rigid semicircularsplash shield that attaches to a raised toilet seat with a U-shapedhook. Linden '785 disadvantageously sits within the toilet opening andthus cannot contain side sprays. Further, thought not permanentlyaffixed, it must still be cleaned.

[0022] While some or all of the above-referenced patents may well beutilized for shielding toilets from overspray, they fail to adequatelyprovide a disposable urinal that can fully contain overspray, and theyare overly complicated.

[0023] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for anoverspray device, wherein a disposable urinal is effectively createdthereby, thus eliminating or minimizing the need for cleaning thereofand avoiding the above-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the presentinvention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets therecognized need for a disposable toilet overspray device by providing amethod and apparatus for creating a urinal overspray device that allowssingle-use replacement thereof.

[0025] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the presentinvention in its preferred embodiment is a disposable urinal and toiletoverspray collection device.

[0026] More specifically, the present invention is a frame forsupporting a disposable sheet, wherein the frame can be quickly andtemporarily installed on any known toilet apparatus and wherein a soiledsheet may be disposed of without cleaning and a replacement sheetinstalled in its place, thus obviating the need for cleaning.

[0027] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its abilityto provide a device that collects urine via a shape similar to a urinaland that can be installed quickly over an existing toilet.

[0028] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is thatit is disposable, does not require cleaning and is thus hygienic.

[0029] A feature and advantage of the present invention is that itprevents overspray laterally, as well as in the direction of the urinestream.

[0030] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is thatit utilizes low cost, disposable materials.

[0031] An additional feature and advantage of the present invention isthat flushable materials may be utilized.

[0032] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is thatit is relatively easy to fabricate.

[0033] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its inherentportability and transportability.

[0034] An additional feature and advantage of the present invention isthat it can be installed either temporarily or permanently.

[0035] These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from thefollowing description and claims when read in light of the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Having thus described the invention in general terms, the presentinvention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Descriptionof the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to theaccompanying drawing figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,and in which like reference numerals denote similar structures and referto like elements throughout, and in which:

[0037]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable overspray protectiondevice according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the supporting frame of the deviceof FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an insertion retaining device ofthe frame of FIG. 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0040]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a bobbie-pin style holding clipcomponent of the frame of FIG. 2, according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention; and

[0041]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a disposable overspray protectiondevice according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0042] In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments ofthe present invention, as illustrated in the Figures, specificterminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however,is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected,and it is to be understood that each specific element includes alltechnical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplishsimilar functions.

[0043] The present invention is suitable for use on toilet apparatus, asare known in the art, and enables the incorporation of a urinal-typecollector therein. The urine collection barrier of the present inventionserves to contain urine overspray in both the direction of the urinestream and lateral to the stream.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 1, apparatus 10, for installation on toiletT, is a portable, urinal device preferably having base frame 20, seatframe 30 and sheet 40.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, base frame 20 preferably rests ontoilet base TB. Base frame 20 preferably has legs 50 extending over theperipheral edge of toilet rim TR of toilet base TB and preferablybending down thereover to form a snap fit on the edge of toilet base TB,thus resiliently and removably retaining base frame 20 to toilet baseTB. Base frame 20 preferably has a plurality of insertion fasteners 60located on frame band 70. Frame band 70 preferably has first end 80,second end 90 and middle portion 100. At least one of a plurality ofinsertion fasteners 60 is preferably located at first end 80, second end90 and middle portion 100. Legs 50 are preferably located proximate toinsertion fasteners 60 a and 60 b, proximate first end 80 and second end90, respectively, of frame band 70. Preferably located at middle portion100 is support flange 110, proximate insertion fastener 60 c. Supportflange 110 serves to hold base frame 20 on the top of toilet rim TR.

[0046] Seat frame 30 preferably has first end 120, second end 130 andmiddle portion 140. Located proximate middle portion 140 is supportflange 170, wherein at least one sheet anchor 150 is provided thereon;preferably two sheet anchors 150 are provided on supporting flange 170,but one skilled in the art would readily recognize that any number ofsheet anchors could be utilized. Preferably, each sheet anchor 150 has asheet receptacle 160 defined therein, wherein sheet receptacle 160, in apreferred configuration, defines an open groove for receiving sheet 40therein. Sheet receptacle 160 is preferably defined in sheet anchor 150wherein open groove of sheet receptacle 160 is directed downward in thedirection of the floor when lid S is open, and is directed in thedirection of the tank when lid S is closed. Preferably, support flange170 extends from seat frame 30 to base hinge edge of seat S, whereinsupport flange 170 preferably extends past the base hinge edge of seat Sand thereby prevents movement of support flange 170.

[0047] Side arms 180 of seat frame 30 are preferably disposed laterallyto middle portion 140, preferably extending along seat S in closeproximity thereto. Retainer supports 190 are preferably locatedproximate first end 120 and second end 130 of seat frame 30, whereinretainer supports 190 are generally L-shaped members facilitatingplacement of seat frame 30 on seat S. Bobbie-pin-shaped retentionapertures 200 are preferably defined in each retainer support 190 suchthat retention apertures 200 are located proximal to the tank portion TPof toilet T and to the opposing outer edges of seat S, when apparatus 10is installed on a toilet and seat S is in the raised position.

[0048] Two corners, 46 a and 46 b, of sheet 40 are preferably removablyheld within insertion fasteners 60 a and 60 b, respectively, to enableutilization of apparatus 10. Center portion 48 of sheet 40 is preferablyremovably held within insertion fastener 60 c located on middle portion100 of seat frame 30, whereupon two corners 46 a and 46 b and centerportion 48 of sheet 40 are preferably mounted, a generally triangular orU-shaped edge being defined thereby at the base edge 44 thereof. Upperedge 45 of sheet 40 is preferably removably held within the outerperipheral edge of the toilet seat S, wherein upper edge 45 of sheet 40is positioned proximate to the front of tank portion TP. Upper edge 45of sheet 40 is preferably retained by sheet receptacles 160 defined insheet anchors 150. Preferably corners 47 a and 47 b are held viamoderate tension within bobbie-pin-shaped retention apertures 200 ofsupport flanges 190. Preferred position of sheet 40 effectively createsa urinal-type apparatus superimposed on toilet T.

[0049] Preferably, base portion 44 of sheet 40 hangs from insertionfasteners 60 a, 60 b and 60 c and therebetween, extending below toiletrim TR to facilitate transfer of collected urine into toilet bowl TB. Afirst and second lateral portion 42 a and 42 b, respectively, of sheet40 preferably extend from each insertion fastener 60 a and 60 b tobobbie-pin-shaped retention apertures 200, to form a deflectingsidewall, thus providing additional lateral protection againstoverspray.

[0050] Sheet 40 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as,for exemplary purposes only, thin plastic film or sheeting, paper, ormetal foil. It should be recognized that sheet 40 preferably may beconstructed of any material that would be disposable and non-rigid orsemi-rigid, including any alternate lightweight materials, and as such,would be in full contemplation of the inventor in describing the presentinvention herein, and could be utilized without departing from theappreciative scope of the present invention. Further, sheet 40 may bemade from a material suitable for flushing in toilet T.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3A, insertion fastener 60 is positionedproximate to first end 80 of frame band 70, wherein insertion fastener60 preferably has four sides 260 a, 260 b, 260 c, and 260 d, and frontface 230. Sides 260 a, 260 b, 260 c, and 260 d, and front face 230preferably define a generally rectangular-faced box having five faces,and which preferably remains open on the sixth face 262. Front face 230preferably has teeth 210 formed therein, wherein teeth 210 arepreferably separated by spaces 220. Referring to FIG. 1, in use, sheet40 preferably has a portion of corners 46 a and 46 b secured betweenteeth 210 within spaces 220. Each corner, 46 a and 46 b, of sheet 40 isaccessible and preferably may be pulled from behind front face 230 toprovide moderate tension adjustment. Center portion 46 c is preferablyinstalled in similar fashion into insertion fastener 60 c located atmiddle portion 140.

[0052] Front face 230 is preferably made of a material suitable toprovide strength and minimal flexure in order to facilitate gripping ofsheet 40 by teeth 210.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 3B, support flange 190 has ridges 250preferably at extremity 270 thereof, wherein ridges 250 preferably matewith opposing teeth 240 of a bobbie-pin-shaped retention aperture 200.Ridges 250 are preferably juxtaposed to teeth 240, and in closeproximity thereto, in order to facilitate gripping of sheet 40 whenpositioned thereinto.

[0054] Grip flange 300 preferably aides in positioning sheet 40 withinbobbie-pin-shaped retention apertures 200 by preferably providing apurchase by which arm 280 may be opened slightly for insertion of sheet40 between ridges 250 and teeth 240.

[0055] Sheet 40 is retained by preferably pulling a portion thereof intobobbie-pin-shaped retention apertures 200, such that sheet 40 preferablyresides in spaces 290 between teeth 240 and ridges 250.Bobbie-pin-shaped retention apertures 200 are preferably rigidly, yetresiliently formed such that they have a spring-back effect to provideclamping compression force by teeth 240 against ridges 250.

[0056] Base frame 20, seat frame 30, insertion fasteners 60 andbobbie-pin-shaped retainers 200 are preferably comprised of suitablematerial, such as, for exemplary purposes only, plastic, wood and/ormetal, preferably sufficiently rigid to maintain the form of base frame20 and seat frame 30, while sufficiently flexible to allow insertion ofsheet 40 and sufficiently resilient to enable return to their originalposition to retain sheet 40 firmly.

[0057]FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the present inventionwherein there is second sheet 400 made from the same or similar materialas sheet 40, wherein second sheet 400 is located proximate toilet rimTR, on the top portion thereof, and extends around the front arcthereof. Second sheet 400 has first end 410 inserted within insertionfastener 60 a and held thereby, such that first corner 420 a hangsdownward within toilet bowl TB. Sheet 400 extends over toilet rim TR andextends in front thereof, such that second corner 420 b hangs outside oftoilet bowl TB. Thus, sheet 400 substantially covers toilet rim TR andextends in front thereof. Second end 412 of sheet 400 is installedwithin insertion fastener 60 b and held thereby. Third corner 420 c ofsheet 400 hangs downward within toilet bowl TB. Fourth corner 420 d ofsheet 400 hangs downward outside of toilet bowl TB. By positioning sheet400 in such a fashion, front edge 430 of sheet 400 extends over and downthe outside of toilet rim TR, while rear edge 440 of sheet 400 hangswithin toilet bowl TB.

[0058] It is envisioned in an alternative embodiment that the sheet 40may be adhesively attached to base frame 20 and seat frame 30, such asby, for exemplary purposes only, double-sided adhesive tape orhook-and-loop fastener.

[0059] It is also envisioned that the present invention may beimplemented using a single style of clip, such as, for exemplarypurposes only, insertion fasteners or bobbie-pin-shaped retentionapertures.

[0060] It is contemplated in an alternative embodiment that the sheet 40could be generally circular or oval-shaped, with ballooning edges, thatis, with rounded edges, such that the edges could extend outwardlybeyond the general straight line between sheet attachment points, andwherein said sheet may be rigid or flexible.

[0061] It is envisioned in an alternative embodiment that base frame orseat frame could have only one insertion fastener and/or only onebobbie-pin-shaped retention aperture.

[0062] It is envisioned in yet another embodiment that there may be anynumber of insertion fasteners and/or bobbie-pin style retainers.

[0063] In a further embodiment, it is contemplated that the insertionfasteners 60 and bobbie-pin-shaped retention apertures 200 may bediscrete and utilized without a frame, thus permitting independentlyvariable placement on a toilet bowl and/or seat, wherein each could bepressure fit or adhesively held.

[0064] It is contemplated that the present invention may be sized andshaped to fit any size or style of toilet.

[0065] It is contemplated that an additional embodiment would haveframes suitable for mounting between the top of toilet seat S and toilettank when toilet seat S is in the lowered position.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners may be usedto attach the base frame 20 and seat frame 30 to the toilet components.

[0067] In a further embodiment, the sheet 40 may be directly attached tothe toilet components using an attachment means, such as, for exemplarypurposes only, adhesive means.

[0068] It is further contemplated in an additional embodiment, thatsheet material may be fed from an automatic dispenser, and may havelines for separation formed therein, such as, for exemplary purposesonly, perforations, whereby the sheets may be torn off and immediatelydisposed of within the toilet.

[0069] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Many modifications and other embodimentsof the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to whichthis invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented inthe foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it isto be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A urinal device for use with a toilet, having a toilet bowl and atoilet seat, said urinal device comprising: at least one sheet ofmaterial; a first frame and a second frame, wherein said first frame andsaid second frame further comprise at least one tension-type fastenerfor retaining said at least one sheet of material; a first attachmentmeans, said first attachment means carried by the toilet bowl; and asecond attachment means carried by the toilet seat, wherein said atleast one sheet attaches to the toilet seat and toilet bowl via saidfirst attachment means and said second attachment means.
 2. The urinaldevice of claim 1, wherein said first attachment means and said secondattachment means are carried by said first frame and said second frame,respectively.
 3. The urinal device of claim 1, wherein said first frameis carried by the toilet bowl and said second frame is carried by thetoilet seat.
 4. The urinal device of claim 1, wherein said firstattachment means and said second attachment means are secured to thetoilet bowl and to the toilet seat by adhesive means.
 5. The urinaldevice of claim 4, wherein said adhesive means is double-sided tape. 6.The urinal device of claim 1, wherein said first attachment means andsaid second attachment means are secured to the toilet bowl and thetoilet seat by hook-and-loop fasteners.
 7. The urinal device of claim 1,wherein said at least one sheet is made of a flexible material.
 8. Theurinal device of claim 1, wherein said at least one sheet is made of abiodegradable material suitable for flushing down a toilet.
 9. Theurinal device of claim 1, wherein said at least one sheet is fed from anautomatic dispenser.
 10. The urinal device of claim 1, wherein said atleast one sheet comprises a material selected from the group consistingof paper, plastic and metal.
 11. The urinal device of claim 1, whereinsaid first frame and said second frame comprise a material selected fromthe group consisting of wood, plastic and metal.
 12. A urinal device foruse with a toilet, having a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, said urinaldevice comprising: at least one sheet of material, wherein said at leastone sheet has edges, and wherein said edges are formed outwardly in aballooning effect.
 13. A method for containing urine within the confinesof a toilet, comprising the steps of: a. providing frame means forholding a sheet of material, wherein said frame means further comprisesat least one tension-type fastener means for retaining said sheet; b.providing said sheet of material; c. attaching said frame means to atoilet bowl and a toilet seat; and d. attaching said sheet to said framemeans.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said frame means furthercomprises a top part and a bottom part, relative to the toilet.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein said top part attaches to the underside ofthe toilet seat and said bottom part attaches to the upper edge of thetoilet bowl.
 16. (cancelled)
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein said atleast one tension-type fastener means comprises at least onebobbie-pin-style holder for retaining said sheet.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein said at least one bobbie-pin-style holder has aplurality of gripping teeth and ridges.
 19. The method of claim 13,wherein said at least one tension-type fastener means comprises agenerally planar surface, said generally planar surface having anaperture with gripping teeth defined therein.
 20. The method of claim13, further including the step of providing a second sheet for coveringthe front rim of the toilet bowl.
 21. (cancelled)
 22. The urinal deviceof claim 1, wherein said at least one tension-type fastener comprises agenerally planar surface, said generally planar surface having anaperture with gripping teeth defined therein.